Impact Target Sensor Nesting for Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sports simulator impact targets often have vibration sensors positioned on the rear surface, which reduces sensitivity and effectiveness in detecting impacts from sports projectiles.

Innovation Solution

The impact target features a vibration sensor positioned within an opening that extends through the thickness of the plate from the rear surface to the front surface, enhancing sensitivity by locating the sensor closer to the impact surface and improving vibration detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the vibration sensor is positioned on the rear surface of the plate, then the sensor is easier to mount and protect, but the sensitivity and effectiveness in detecting impacts is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact detection sensitivityVSAvoidsensor positioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the sensor positioning from a two-dimensional rear surface mounting to a three-dimensional opening-based positioning that extends through the plate thickness. This allows the sensor to be located closer to the impact surface (front surface) while still being protected within the plate structure, thereby improving sensitivity without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration sensor is nested within an opening that extends through the plate thickness, with the sensor positioned inside this recessed space. This nesting approach allows the sensor to be closer to the impact surface while remaining protected within the plate structure, resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and mounting complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If the vibration sensor is positioned closer to the impact surface, then the sensitivity improves, but the sensor becomes more vulnerable to damage from high-impact forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact detection sensitivityVSAvoidsensor protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is nested within an opening that extends through the plate thickness, positioning it closer to the impact surface while providing protective enclosure within the plate structure. This nested configuration allows the sensor to benefit from closer proximity to impacts while being shielded from direct damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The opening structure serves as a pre-configured protective element that cushions and distributes impact forces before they reach the sensor. By having this protective structure in place beforehand, the sensor is protected from direct high-impact forces while still being able to detect vibrations from legitimate sports projectile impacts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration improves the sensitivity of the impact target, allowing it to effectively detect a wide range of impact forces, from low to high, while maintaining robustness against high-impact forces.

Implementation Method 1

The plate may be configured to vibrate in response to the impact of the sports projectile with the impact target. The vibration sensor may be configured to detect a vibration in response to the impact of the sports projectile with the impact target.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

the vibration sensor configured to detect an impact of a sports projectile with the impact target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact Force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 3

The vibration sensor may comprise a piezo sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric Effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4255591B1An impact target
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 BATFAST CRICKET CENTS LTD
  • EP4255591B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4255591B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2E
  • EP4255591B1 patent drawingFigure 2F~2I

AI summary

An impact target for a sports simulator, the impact target comprising: a plate comprising a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface, the rear surface comprising an opening; and a vibration sensor fixedly positioned within the opening, the vibration sensor configured to detect an impact of a sports projectile with the impact target.